The Montreal Canadiens forward, injured for much of his two seasons in Toronto, happily is resuming his NHL career after the Leafs bought him out last summer.

“When I left Toronto, I still knew I could play,” Armstrong said.

“It was a tough time there, and I’m not really sure I found my spot there throughout the whole time. Missing so many games, being left out of certain situations when I was healthy, I don’t know if it was a good fit. Obviously, they felt the same way too.

“Mentally, more than anything, just battling the downs of not being involved with the team (when he was injured), the negativity you put on yourself. You can look back on that be like, hey, I made it through this, I know how to handle this a little bit better if it ever happens again. I am 30 years old and went through it at a later age. Definitely learned from it.”

Signed by the Leafs to a three-year contract worth $9 million in July 2010, Armstrong suffered just about every injury imaginable in blue and white. In two seasons, he played a total of 79 games, scoring nine goals and adding 17 assists. He had 47 penalty minutes and was minus-9, and never was able to bring the sandpaper that former general manager Brian Burke figured he would.

The Leafs will pay him $1 million this season and next. He signed a one-year pact with Montreal for $1 million 24 hours after the Leafs set him free.

Life off the ice is good too. His 21/2-year-old son, Cruise, whose tales Armstrong shares on Twitter, has picked up some French. Armstrong’s wife Melissa is pregnant with their second child.

Most importantly, Armstrong thinks he can contribute to an NHL team again. He’s on a line with another agitating type, Habs newcomer Brandon Prust, and centre Ryan White.

“I get a second chance here, a breath of fresh air,” Armstrong said. “I took a deep breath. I feel great, healthy. I feel like a young kid again. It’s a good feeling to slide into the dressing room with a great group of guys.

Colby Armstrong never found place with Maple Leafs

The Montreal Canadiens forward, injured for much of his two seasons in Toronto, happily is resuming his NHL career after the Leafs bought him out last summer.

“When I left Toronto, I still knew I could play,” Armstrong said.

“It was a tough time there, and I’m not really sure I found my spot there throughout the whole time. Missing so many games, being left out of certain situations when I was healthy, I don’t know if it was a good fit. Obviously, they felt the same way too.

“Mentally, more than anything, just battling the downs of not being involved with the team (when he was injured), the negativity you put on yourself. You can look back on that be like, hey, I made it through this, I know how to handle this a little bit better if it ever happens again. I am 30 years old and went through it at a later age. Definitely learned from it.”